Private Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and Ik Kil Cenote, Lunch

Explore Ancient Mayan Ruins and a Cenote with a Personalized Tour in Cancun

This private tour offers an immersive experience of three iconic sites around the Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and the Ik Kil Cenote, all for $660 per person. With a 12-hour duration, it includes door-to-door pickup and drop-off, making transportation seamless and comfortable. The tour caters to those seeking in-depth knowledge from a certified private guide, along with all entry fees included.

What sets this tour apart is the personalized attention and flexible itinerary, perfect for travelers who prefer a more tailored experience. The private transportation means no need to rent a car, and the tour’s careful pacing ensures you can enjoy each site without feeling rushed. The inclusion of lunch, snacks, water, soft drinks, and two cans of beer per person adds to the overall value, making it a comprehensive day out.

While the tour is well-suited for those with moderate physical fitness, it’s important to note that towels are not included, and travelers should be prepared for some walking and exploring. Its highly positive reviews reflect a strong emphasis on knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics, making this an attractive choice for visitors wanting a customized, all-in-one archaeological adventure.

Key Points

• Private, personalized tour with just your group
• All transportation provided, no car rental needed
• Visits to Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and Ik Kil Cenote
• Lunch included with authentic Mexican food
• All entrance fees and taxes are covered
• Tour duration of roughly 12 hours, starting with door-to-door pickup

Pickup and Transportation in Comfort and Style

This tour begins with door-to-door pickup from your hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya, making the start of your day stress-free. The transportation is air-conditioned and private, ensuring a comfortable ride between sites. The private vehicle is tailored to your group size, and the driver is also the guide, providing a smooth experience from start to finish.

Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle allows for flexibility in timing and pacing, which is often appreciated by those who dislike large group tours or long bus rides. The door-to-door service reduces travel stress and maximizes your sightseeing time.

Visiting Chichen Itza: The Iconic Kukulkan Pyramid

The first stop at Chichen Itza lasts about 3 hours and is the highlight of this tour. As one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites, it’s home to the Kukulkan Pyramid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new 7 wonders of the world. The entrance fees are included, so you can focus on exploring.

Your guide provides insightful commentary on the history and significance of the site, helping you understand what makes Chichen Itza so captivating. Expect to see other notable structures such as the Ball Court and El Caracol observatory, all while learning about the ancient civilization that built them.

Refreshing Swim at Ik Kil Cenote

After exploring the ruins, the tour takes you to the Ik Kil Cenote for about 1 hour. This natural underground swimming hole is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and lush surrounding vegetation. It’s an ideal spot to cool off and enjoy a refreshing swim in a stunning setting.

The cenote’s entrance fee is included, and the experience is straightforward: visitors can simply relax and take in the scenic beauty. Remember to bring your swimsuit and towel—they are not included—so you can fully enjoy the water.

Discovering Ek Balam: The Black Jaguar City

Following the cenote visit, the tour proceeds to Ek Balam for about 2 hours. Known as The City of the Black Jaguar, Ek Balam remains less crowded than Chichen Itza and offers a chance to explore more intact ruins with fewer travelers. This site was a private territory until 2001, and its well-preserved structures include elaborate carvings and the impressive Acropolis.

Your expert private guide leads you through the site, sharing stories and insights about its history and architecture. Ek Balam’s older structures and less commercialized atmosphere provide a more personal glimpse into the Mayan civilization.

Authentic Mexican Lunch and Snacks

A key highlight of this tour is the lunch, included in the price. The guide takes you to a local restaurant that serves authentic Mexican cuisine, giving you the chance to enjoy regional specialties after a busy morning of exploration.

Along With lunch, the tour provides a sweet snack, water, soft drinks, and two cans of beer per person, ensuring you stay hydrated and energized throughout the day. The food experience is praised for its quality and authenticity, adding to the overall value.

What’s Included and What to Bring

All entrance fees for Chichen Itza and Ek Balam are covered, along with taxes. The tour also includes a certified private guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and transportation by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

While drinks are provided during the day, towels are not included, so bringing one is recommended if you plan to swim at the cenote. The tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and climbing around ruin sites are involved. The tour is private, so only your group participates, allowing for a more tailored experience.

Guide Expertise and Friendly Service

According to highly positive reviews, Alvaro, the guide, is a remarkable storyteller with 22 years of guiding experience. Guests appreciate his wealth of knowledge, attentiveness, and ability to customize the itinerary based on interests.

Guests also highlight Alvaro’s consideration for group needs, including those with handicaps, and his professional driving skills. This level of service enhances the overall experience, making the day both enjoyable and informative.

Pacing and Flexibility for a Comfortable Visit

The tour’s pacing receives praise for being well-balanced. Visitors can explore each site at a comfortable speed without feeling rushed, thanks to the dedicated guide and private transportation. The itinerary flows smoothly, allowing plenty of time to appreciate each location’s unique features.

This flexibility makes the tour an excellent option for those who want a thorough yet relaxed exploration of the ruins and natural cenote, especially for guests with limited mobility or those who prefer a less hurried experience.

Cancellation Policy and Booking Details

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. This flexible policy provides peace of mind when planning your trip. Once booked, confirmation is immediate, and the tour is guaranteed to run with only your group, ensuring a personalized experience.

This tour is typically booked around 148 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among visitors seeking a comprehensive archaeological day with a private guide.

Suitable for Adventurers and History Enthusiasts

This tour is ideal for history buffs, adventure seekers, and photographers eager to see some of the most famous Mayan sites with the benefit of a personal guide. It offers a well-rounded day that combines cultural exploration, natural beauty, and regional cuisine.

While it requires moderate physical activity, the pace is manageable, and the private setup makes it accessible for a wide range of travelers. The attention to detail and high review scores speak to its quality and reliability.

Final Thoughts on the Private Mayan Tour Experience

This full-day private tour from Cancun offers excellent value for $660 per person, especially considering the inclusion of lunch, all entrance fees, and private transport. The highly knowledgeable guide and personalized itinerary ensure a deep, relaxed exploration of Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and the Ik Kil Cenote.

It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a more intimate and flexible archaeological adventure, particularly if you appreciate authentic meals, comfortable travel, and in-depth storytelling. While the tour involves some walking and doesn’t include towels, its overall organization and positive reviews make it a dependable and enriching experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour’s pacing and activities are manageable for most age groups.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, lunch, snacks, water, soft drinks, two cans of beer per person, and all entrance fees.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 12 hours, starting with hotel pickup and ending with drop-off.

Do I need to bring anything?
It’s recommended to bring towels if you plan to swim at the cenote. Also, wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it is a private tour, the guide can adapt the itinerary to suit your interests and pace.

What is the tour’s physical demand?
Participants should have moderate physical fitness as the tour involves walking around ruins and some climbing.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a delicious Mexican lunch is part of the package, along with snacks and drinks.

What makes Ek Balam different from Chichen Itza?
Ek Balam is less crowded and features more intact structures, providing a more personal experience with older ruins and impressive carvings.

Can I swim at Ik Kil Cenote?
Yes, the cenote allows swimming, offering a refreshing break, but bring your own swimsuit and towel.

How do I book this tour?
You can book directly through the provided link, with confirmation received at booking, and enjoy a flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.